FFWD Weekly
Copyright © 1997. All Rights Reserved.
JAMES
Whiplash
Mercury· Brian Eno, co-writes first track and provides keyboards and backing vocals on all the rest
From the second Whiplash begins it is unmistakably James. Although the band is dabbling in more studio generated sounds, Tim Booth's vocals have remained of the same soaring quality. Leaning towards a U2 sound here and there, Booth does a stellar Bono rip-off during the controversial "Greenpeace." In falsetto, he sings of raping the world, killing whales, consumerism and other monstrosities against nature.
Not only do the lyrics of Whiplash strongly show a social consciousness, but sultry pictures of a drag queen adorn the inlay art (providing a visual of the same theme). To the very last detail, James has shown that they can be in your face with aggressive images, brilliant instrumentation and meaningful lyrics without being preachy or antagonizing.
The album reeks of good taste in the production department. A plethora of sounds are captured giving depth to each song and variety (hooray) to the album. While social awareness infiltrates your mind, the music effortlessly enraptures you. Throwing string arrangements onto their contemporary technological canvas (such as in "Go to the Bank") is an impressive move as is the rest of the well thought out album. As for U2 similarities.. who cares? This album is riveting.
4/5
Aubrey McInnis
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